Charles F Haanel

The Master Key System Charles F Haanel

"The Master Key System" is a personal development book by Charles F. Haanel (1866-1949) that was originally published as a 24-week correspondence course in 1912, and then in book form in 1916. The ideas it describes and explains come mostly from New Thought philosophy. It was one of the main sources of inspiration for Rhonda Byrne's film and book "The Secret" (2006). The book describes many "New Thought beliefs" such as the law of attraction, creative visualization and man's unity with God, and teaches the importance of truth, harmonious thinking and the ability to concentrate. By 1933 it had allegedly sold over 200,000 copies worldwide. Haanel practiced the financial principles he preached and was a self-made success who owned several major companies. According to Walter B. Stevens, the author of In St. Louis: History of the Fourth City, "He (Mr. Haanel) was president of the Continental Commercial Company, president of the Sacramento Valley Improvement Company, and president of the Mexico Gold & Silver Mining Company."